Completely over-the-top and not so well written, but kind of fun to read. ( )

I'm deeply conflicted about this book. While I loved the exuberance and sheer playfulness of the writing, it wasn't particularly tight writing- there was much meandering and several odd dangling plot elements. There is a lot going on in this book, some of which rings achingly, miserably true. The friendship between the main characters is lovely. It must be insanely hard to grow up gay and Cuban-American, and I think this book is a very welcome addition to the small body of literature for teens like Laura. The plot, while wildly discursive, was certainly engrossing enough. Recommended with reservations. ( )

This is a really excellent young adult coming out story about a Cuban-American teenager who is kicked out of the house for being a lesbian and her struggle for self-acceptance. Luckily the character, Laura, has really good friends so it's not as harsh a story as it could have been. It's a vivid story full of interesting characters and a great window into Cuban culture. ( )

Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com

How mortified would you be if one of your teachers read one of your private notes or letters out loud in front of the class? Take that mortification times one hundred, and that's what happens to Laura Amores on the last day of class. Except this letter is from her girlfriend and describes in detail their forbidden love. By the end of the school day, previous friends have deserted her, the nuns at her school have expelled her, and her mother has kicked her out of the house. At least until she changes her ways and falls in love with a boy.

Thankfully, Laura (who has many nicknames throughout the story) has a good friend in Soli and her mother, Viva. They let Laura stay with them indefinitely.

The story only gets worse for Laura. The girl she is in love with leaves Miami for Cuba. To add pain to heartache, Marlena tells Laura over the phone that she realizes their love was wrong and sinful and she is going to marry the man her family wants her to wed.

Laura struggles throughout the book to come to terms with who she is. She has dated boys in the past, but only Marlena has sent sparks through her body. Is she gay? Is she bi-sexual? Was it only Marlena that caused these feelings?

Laura meets many interesting people during the course of the story. They all help Laura define who she is and who she will become. She is determined to win back her mother's love. But in the end, is it really so important to have someone love who they want you to be but not who you are? Laura struggles with society's negative opinions of anyone not heterosexual or who is different from the norm.

Ms. Dole is a fresh new voice in the GLBTQ genre. She speaks frankly about the issue for teens to grasp and understand. The story is not always easy to read, but it's one that you'll be glad that you have. It will bring a deeper understanding of those that may seem different than you, but who just want to be loved and understood like everyone should be. ( )

HEY MAYRA. REALLY ENJOYED YOUR BOOK. I ALSO ENJOYED SHARING IT WITH MY NEICE AND SISTER-N-LAW. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND IM LOOKING FOWARD TO YOUR NEXT BOOK. WITH MUCH LOVE, AUTHOR OF THE YEAR. Ms.V. ( )